Ceremony in front of Innu elders and family was an emotional moment for the Innu leader and his family and all who attended.

Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and president of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, is surrounded by family members after being sworn in as a member of Parliament on Thursday during a ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. (May 26, 2011)

By:Tonda MacCharlesOttawa Bureau, Published on Thu May 26 2011

OTTAWA—Peter Penashue’s voice had shaken last week when he took the oath as the first Innu cabinet minister. It was a quiet, televised affair at Rideau Hall, witnessed by his wife Mary Ann.

But it was nothing like this.

Moments after he was sworn in Thursday as the MP for Labrador, Peter Penashue’s emotions overcame him.

He’d stood in historic Centre Block for photos with his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and friends, all dressed in finery, and Innu elders in traditional dress.

After the camera flashes stopped popping, Penashue — Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs in Stephen Harper’s Conservative government — struggled for composure as he explained to those “who might not understand Innu” what he was feeling.

“Not too long ago, I guess, many of you will remember the Innu people struggled to be heard in Ottawa. We had set up tents outside to be noticed and to be recognized because we were treated as if we weren’t recognized as First Nations in the country. And so we came out here to be heard.”

He paused and cleared his throat as the words caught. “I’m so pleased today because people here came in through the front door and to hear one of their own being sworn in as MP.”

Penashue took a deep breath, his voice breaking.

“So you can understand why it’s so important for us, and so emotional. Because we’re used to coming in through the back door. And today I’m so proud that Innu people came through the front door.”

As tears sprang to his eyes, a staffer began applauding.

Penashue moved to embrace his brother Jack, 44, and cousin Dave Hart, 34, and wept long and hard.

His chief of staff Sandra Buckler ushered a Star reporter out of the room.

Jack Penashue said watching his brother get sworn in was “a very historical experience.” He had brought his own young son to witness the occasion.

“We were at one point advocating as protesters and demonstrators, and lobbying from the outside,” said Jack in an interview afterwards. “But to see your own brother sworn in . . .” he searched for words. “I guess it’s a very historical experience. That’s why I brought my son. This is an experience I didn’t want him to miss.”

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